Jenna Jameson Lawsuit to Proceed

Judge: Lawsuit against adult film actress has merit
Jameson failed to show for appearance at Naperville theater

November 17, 2011

A DuPage County judge Wednesday refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed against adult film actress Jenna Jameson, who is being sued for failing to show for a personal appearance at a Naperville theater.

Judge Patrick Leston rejected a motion filed by Jameson’s attorney to end the lawsuit on the grounds that the legal filing was technically deficient and the terms of the contract between Jameson and the Hollywood Palms Cinema were too ambiguous.

"Having read the contract, it seems perfectly clear to the court," Leston said.

Hollywood Palms Cinema had contracted with Jameson, a California resident, to make personal appearances at the Naperville theater in March in conjunction with a showing of a 2008 movie starring Jameson, "Zombie Strippers!"

The lawsuit contends that Jameson, whose legal name is Jenna Marie Massoli, backed out at the last minute and instead attended a Hollywood, Calif., party for celebrity gossip columnist Perez Hilton. The local company said it is out thousands of dollars in ticket sales, advertising and other pre-event expenses.

The theater company promised Jameson a minimum of $10,000, in addition to paying her expenses, including first-class airfare, according to the lawsuit.

Paul Nordini, Jameson’s attorney, said the judge’s decision Wednesday might have opened the door to a possible settlement. The case will be back in court in February.

Hollywood Palms owner Ted Bulthaup, who was in court, said he was not surprised his side prevailed. His company, he said, has used a similar agreement to contract with other celebrities for appearances at the theater, from cast members of the "Twilight" movie series to Burt Reynolds to "The Exorcist" actress Linda Blair.

"She’s possessed, and even she understood (the agreement)," Bulthaup said.